Archie and Lilibet Are Unaware Their Grandad Is King, Prince Harry and Meghan’s Pal Claims

The Sussexes focus on a normal upbringing for their children, away from royal duties.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children reportedly have no idea their grandfather is King Charles III, with a family friend saying Archie and Lilibet are being raised to ‘live as normal little kids’ despite their place in the line of succession.

The claim emerged as fresh details surfaced about the Duke and Duchess’s hopes of one day reuniting their children with King Charles III. According to Prince Harry and Markle’s friend, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, know him simply as ‘granpa,’ rather than as the king, despite his position as head of the Royal Family. The revelation comes even as reports suggest the children could visit Britain as early as January, a separate and later opportunity from the family’s now-cancelled trip tied to this month’s Invictus Games countdown event.

The comments also highlight how little contact Archie and Lilibet have had with their royal relatives since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. While Harry has repeatedly expressed a desire for his children to know their British relatives, security concerns and strained family relations have meant Archie and Lilibet have had only limited contact with their grandfather.

They Don’t Know Their Grandad Is King

Speaking to a publication, a friend close to the Sussexes said Harry and Meghan have deliberately focused on giving their children as normal a childhood as possible in Montecito.

‘The truth is, they don’t really have any concept about who they (the royal family) are. Their parents are very good at keeping them away from it all, so they live as normal little kids,’ the friend said.

Prince Harry Still Hopes For a Family Reunion

King Charles has met Lilibet only once and Archie just a handful of times since the family moved to the United States. Their most notable reunion came during celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when the Sussexes briefly returned to Britain with both children.

Since then, ongoing tensions between Harry and senior royals, coupled with disagreements over security arrangements, have continued to limit opportunities for family gatherings. Charles is reported to plan visits carefully in part to avoid a clash between his two sons, William and Harry, further complicating any potential reunion.

Invictus Games Trip Called Off For Meghan and the Children

Initial reports claimed that Prince Harry and Markle, together with their two young children, would travel to the UK to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, with insiders suggesting the Sussexes would stay in both private accommodation and at a royal residence after accepting an invitation from King Charles.

That trip has since been called off for Meghan, Archie and Lilibet, after British authorities declined a request for taxpayer-funded police protection outside royal residences. Harry is now expected to travel to the UK alone for the Invictus Games countdown event, rather than as a family.

A Separate Reunion Hope For January

Distinct from the cancelled July trip, more recent reporting suggests Archie and Lilibet could travel to the UK as early as January for a potential meeting with their grandfather, with the friend describing the children as ‘excited’ at the prospect. Buckingham Palace has not confirmed any details of such a visit, and no formal arrangements have been announced.

Friends say Harry and Meghan have worked hard to create an upbringing centred on school, outdoor activities, and close friendships rather than royal traditions. That approach, they suggest, explains why Archie and Lilibet view King Charles first and foremost as a grandfather, instead of a monarch.

Whether that changes may depend on whether the long-running rift between the Sussexes and the Royal Family can eventually be repaired, which is something Harry has publicly said he still hopes is possible.

The Sussexes’ Focus on Normalcy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s approach to raising Archie and Lilibet has been centred on providing them with as normal a childhood as possible. The couple’s decision to shield their children from the intense scrutiny of royal life reflects their desire for their kids to grow up away from the pressures of the institution. The friend’s comments about the children living as “normal little kids” highlight the Sussexes’ commitment to this approach.

The family’s life in Montecito has allowed Archie and Lilibet to enjoy typical childhood experiences like school and outdoor activities. This focus on normalcy has been a key priority for Harry and Meghan as they navigate their life away from royal duties. The couple’s efforts to create a stable environment for their children have been important in their parenting philosophy.

Limited Contact with Royal Relatives

The limited contact between Archie and Lilibet and their royal relatives has been a significant aspect of the family’s situation. The children’s last visit to the UK was during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when they were very young. Since then, security concerns and family tensions have restricted opportunities for further meetings.

The King’s desire to see his grandchildren has been noted by royal sources, but the practical challenges of arranging visits have made this difficult. The ongoing security row has been a major factor in the planning of potential trips. The situation has highlighted the complexities of maintaining family relationships across different continents and lifestyles.

The Security Concerns

The security situation for Harry and his family has been a long-running issue since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Harry lost his automatic right to police protection when he moved to North America, a decision he has strongly contested in court. His legal challenges have highlighted the complexities of balancing royal status, public funding, and personal safety.

The current situation has once again brought these issues to the forefront. Harry’s team maintains that an independent risk assessment is necessary to determine appropriate protection levels, but the delay in this process has created uncertainty about the visit. The family’s private security team has conducted its own assessment, but official support remains a key sticking point.

Public Interest in the Royal Family

The ongoing drama surrounding Harry’s potential visits has generated significant public interest. The combination of security concerns, family reconciliation efforts, and the potential for meetings has created considerable anticipation. The royal family’s private discussions and the public speculation reflect the intense interest in their relationships.

The contrast between William’s focus on duty and Harry’s more independent path has created a compelling narrative that continues to captivate audiences. The potential for any interaction during the visit will be closely watched by both the media and the public.

The Sandringham Agreement Context

The reported arrangements have prompted renewed discussion about the Sandringham Agreement reached after the Sussexes stepped back as working royals in 2020. The agreement established clear boundaries about the couple’s ability to combine royal duties with commercial activities. The possibility of Harry and Meghan being treated as “cherished members of the Royal Family” when in the UK while maintaining their commercial activities in America represents a potential new approach to their unique situation.

Looking Ahead for the Sussex Family

As the Sussex family continues to navigate their life away from royal duties, the focus remains on providing Archie and Lilibet with a normal upbringing. The potential for future visits to the UK and meetings with King Charles represents important opportunities for family connections. The couple’s commitment to their children’s well-being will continue to guide their decisions about such trips.

The story of Harry and Meghan’s family life continues to generate interest among the public. Their efforts to create a stable environment for Archie and Lilibet while maintaining some connection to British heritage show their balanced approach to parenting. As the children grow older, the question of their awareness of their royal background will likely become more significant.

The situation continues to highlight the complex challenges facing the Sussexes as they navigate their life away from royal duties while attempting to maintain family ties. Security, privacy, and public interest all play significant roles in shaping their decisions about returning to Britain.